NASCAR Will Review Race Sponsorships After NRA 500

Before, during and after Kyle Busch won Saturday's National Rifle Association 500 in Fort Worth, Tex., there was debate around the organization's sponsorship of the Sprint Cup event. Some critics felt that the NRA's sponsorship of the race brought the ongoing debate on gun control into the sports world. Following normal customs, the NRA obtained its sponsorship through Texas Motor Speedway, not NASCAR, last month.

"This situation has made it clear that we need to take a closer look at our approval process moving forward, as current circumstances need to be factored in when making decisions," NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said.

"NASCAR has no official position on the gun rights debate. Our fans, racing teams and industry partners come from all walks of life and thus have varying points of views and opinions."

As racing fans are also likely to be divided on the gun control issue, NASCAR's presumed hope is to remain apolitical rather than risk alienating fans on either side of the gun debate. Its chief concern seems to be making certain that it is not seen as endorsing any political agenda supported by its sponsors.